Kentish Express Ashford & District
OPERATION BROCK SET TO RETURN
GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES M20 CONTRAFLOW CONSULTATION
A dreaded contraflow system on the M20 is set to return in December as the government aims to minimise disruption once the Brexit transition period ends.
Operation Brock caused months of frustration last year when a 15-mile stretch between Junction 9 for Ashford and Junction 8 for Leeds Castle was restricted to just two lanes by a metal barrier.
Drivers have been able to travel at 70mph and use all three lanes of the motorway since the hated steelwork was removed in January, but the Department for Transport (DfT) is now preparing to reinstall the system at the end of the year.
Moveable concrete blocks will be used instead of the previous metal barrier that took a month to put in and remove.
Bosses say the concrete which will be stored at the side of the hard shoulder until needed - can be installed within hours thanks to a specialist ‘zipper’ machine.
When active, Operation Brock sees one side of the motorway used by HGVs heading to cross-Channel ports, with all other traffic restricted to a 50mph contraflow on the opposite carriageway.
On Monday, the government launched a consultation on the scheme, which aims to limit disruption on Kent’s roads if there are problems at the Channel ports once the Brexit transition period ends in December.
The DfT is asking for views on changes to the legislation which will allow Operation Brock to continue in 2021.
Ashford MP Damian Green says the scheme is better than Operation Stack, which closed sections of the M20 completely, causing significant issues on the surrounding roads.
“Operation Brock will be a nuisance, but it is better than having lorries going all over the roads of Kent when the motorway is closed altogether,” he said.
“Now, instead of taking a month to assemble or take down the barrier, it could take a few hours.
“I would urge anyone to respond to the consultation it is important the people of Kent have their say.”
Mr Green welcomed the proposed introduction of £300 fines for truckers found not to be using the mandatory ‘Smart Freight Service’ - an app which bosses say will help to “simplify and automate” the border checks process.
It is hoped the service will ensure HGV drivers have the necessary documents before they travel.
The government is also looking to fine drivers caught using rat runs to get to the ports and avoid the Operation Brock system, which was introduced last year in preparation for traffic caused by a no-deal Brexit.
Bosses were issuing £300 penalties when the contraflow was last implemented, but the legislation expires on December 31.
The DfT now wants to extend it by a further 10 months to the end of October 2021.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says the government is working closely with the Kent Resilience Forum, which is responsible for drawing together a risk register that identifies critical issues and offers advice on how to deal with civil emergencies.
He said: “We are confident the negotiations with the EU can be successfully completed before the expiry of the transition period at the end of December 2020.
“But the agreement we seek is one that will, of course, provide for a very different trading relationship between the UK and the EU.
“And, if the negotiations do not lead to an agreement, the Prime Minister has made clear that we will not be seeking any extension of this transitional phase.
“Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, there will therefore be changes for which UK businesses trading with the EU need to prepare.
“One key area of change relates to the new controls that will be placed on the movement of goods between Great Britain and the EU.
“It is important that we put in place plans both to minimise the risk of disruption and to mitigate its impact should it occur.”